Attend a one-night book club and dinner Sept. 11 to benefit Skaneateles Library

As fundraisers go, the Skaneateles Library’s scattered event next weekend rates as a novel concept — literally, in a couple cases.

Fifteen dinner parties will be held the evening of Sept. 11, at homes across Skaneateles. Each will feature a home-cooked meal and a one-night book club. Guests will dine at the homes of volunteer hosts, hear presentations about various books — and then serve their own literary interpretations.

“I expect some pretty good discussions,” said Dr. Richard Bennett, president of the library, which operates without taxpayer funding. “We’ve got great homes and great hosts, but still, this is all about the books.”

The event — titled “One for the Books” — will raise money to support library programs and the purchase of new materials.

The fundraiser costs $100 per person. Guests must rank their top three book choices and then wait to learn the identity of their hosts and fellow book club members.

The event is 6 to 10 p.m.

Later, all groups will convene at the library for dessert — that is, assuming the Faulkner party has finished haggling over Benjy’s nonlinear, stream-of-consciousness narration.

“I suspect some of the discussions will be going late,” Bennett said.

The details What: “One for the Books,” a one-night book club fundraiser on Sept. 11. What you get: Gourmet meal, book presentation, literary discussions. Cost: $100 per person; spots are limited. The cause: Raise money for the Skaneateles Library. For more information: 685-5135 or www.skaneateleslibrary.org.